Cellular Changes in Neurons Contribute to Age-Related Cognitive Decline

Decline in Neuronal Function

As we age, the cellular properties of neurons undergo changes that can impact their function. These changes may contribute to the decline in cognitive abilities observed in older adults.

Impaired Memory Updating

One study by researchers at Penn State has identified an enzyme that contributes to age-related impairments in memory updating. When this enzyme was blocked in older mice, they were better able to incorporate new information and performed similarly to their younger counterparts.

Loss of Neuronal Resilience

In the aging brain, neurons lose their resilience, becoming more vulnerable to damage and disease triggers. This loss of resilience may be a result of molecular and epigenetic entropy, which can disrupt normal cellular function.

Potential Therapies

Understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying age-related cognitive decline could lead to the development of therapies to prevent or slow down these changes. By targeting specific enzymes or pathways, researchers may be able to preserve neuronal function and improve cognitive abilities in older adults.